Process Engineer Co-op - 2026

PROCESS ENGINEERING CO-OP - 2026 Florence, KY or Marshall, MN January 2026 start – 6 or 12-month experience Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo Asian-style snacks. To learn more about Schwan’s, visit www.schwanscompany.com . Your Co-op Experience: + Dynamic 6-Month+ Co-op: Dive into a hands-on experience with real-world projects that align with your studies and make a real impact. + Take Charge of Strategic Projects : Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom. + A Culture of Care : Join a company that prioritizes your health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. + Guidance from Industry Experts : Receive guidance from skilled, genuine, and good-natured team members who are invested in your success. + Pathway to a Thriving Career : Build your future with a leading food company where internships often pave the way to full-time roles. Your Impact: + Process Development & Innovation : Investigating, testing, and refining new or advanced food processing techniques to support product innovation. + Automation & Technology : Implementing and supporting new automated process technologies and equipment for improved production efficiency. + Cross-functional Collaboration : Working closely with R&D, manufacturing, and operations engineering teams to drive process improvements, optimize performance, and implement cost-saving strategies. + Data Collection & Analysis : Gathering and analyzing production data using basic statistical methods to make data-driven improvements in processes. + Process & Equipment Commercialization : Supporting the development and introduction of new processes and technologies into manufacturing facilities, both internally and with co-packers. + Cost Savings & Efficiency : Identifying and leading major cost-saving initiatives involving process methodologies and new technologies. + Hands-on Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through shadowing process development engineers and potential travel to other manufacturing plants. + Documentation & Reporting : Accurately documenting project progress, results, and insights, while preparing detailed reports to communicate findings. + Innovation Projects : Participating in innovation projects to explore new ways of improving existing processing methods and technologies. What You Bring: + Education: Current enrollment with junior or senior standing in undergraduate or graduate degree program majoring in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Food Engineering. GPA of 3.0+ preferred. Recent graduates welcome! + Years of Experience: 1-2 years of related experience – must have prior co-op or internship experience. + Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: + Proficient in process capability studies, Six Sigma, process mapping, and statistical control. + Strong communication, organizational, and self-motivational skills, with the ability to work independently & in teams. + Intermediate mathematical skills and advanced proficiency in PC applications (CAD, spreadsheets, statistical analysis). + Familiarity with Lean practices and flexibility for a 24-hour operation. + Ability to lead projects, present to management, and maintain a strong commitment to safety. #LI-AM1